May 31, 2009

Both Girl Textured and Freedom were created by hand with pen/ink, then digitally colored. They are about freedom of mind and spirit. Maya Angelou's book "I Know Why a Caged Bird Sings" was a major inspiration as it was about a constant struggle and trying to rise above one's circumstances.

The top piece is a experimentation into combining intricate patterns with a simple tribal style.

May 26, 2009

Skeletal Piano is a mixed media piece inspired by the biomechanical style of H.R. Giger and Beksinski. The initial drawing was created on vellum with graphite. It was then scanned and colored in Photoshop.

May 19, 2009

As technologies change, so do the materials and techniques involved with printing. Spectrum Lithograph offers a Lithofoil printing, where foils are printed with the 4-color process, adding depth to most artworks.

For durable products, Polyart papers are the practical choice. A unique clay coating keeps the paper from tearing, yet is smooth enough for writing.

New Leaf Paper has nice recycled paper stocks that any environmentally-conscious designer can appreciate. They seem to be the leaders for recycled stocks since they don't bleach their materials and have experimented with non-wood papers.

May 16, 2009

Gothic Beauty is a classic portrait inspired by Roman busts and vampire movies. The medium is mixed--graphite on paper and digital coloring. A tribal dragon is tattooed onto the shoulder. The teardrops represent a perpetual sadness and loneliness from a life as an undead. (This concept stems from a Zulu story of how a cheetah got her tears).

May 8, 2009

My dragon crest design was part of a TeeFury.com charity tee collaboration with 44 other artists on May 8th. Wotto collaged and curated the project and a percentage of the proceeds was donated to "Team Eagle", a disabled parasailing team campaigning for the 2012 Olympics.

May 6, 2009

I've always been fascinated by the mystery of crytography. Art is a bit enigmatic to begin with, but infusing cryptography enhances its power. Artist James Sanborn is best known for his CIA sculpture Kryptos and is referenced in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" book cover design. His work is highly conceptual, but simple in presentation. I love the Bauhausian quality of his structures, particularly his typography. The work speaks for itself, so additional decorations are unnecessary.

May 5, 2009

The calligraphic works of Monica Dengo is an inspiration into the possibilities of the written word. I took a class from her a few years back while she was in San Francisco. My interest in lettering stemmed from graffiti and her techniques helped me understand the traditional aspects of lettering.

On Monica's site, she has a small, fascinating article on the "differences between graphic, calligraphic and gestural free approach of handwriting." Read more.

My rendering was created with pen and markers (about 9in. width x 17in. height) to be wheatpasted to the gallery wall. My vision was apocalyptic, where death and destruction reigns free. A nuclear explosion breaks from a skull, positioned above a burning city. The red pattern is a montage of abstract faces done in a Cubist-influenced style.

SHAIRE PRODUCTIONS

About Shaire Productions

Founded and led by Sherrie Thai, Shaire Productions is an innovative creative firm with experience in strategic graphic design and illustration for commercial and alternative markets.

Highlights from Shaire Productions' portfolio include projects from Sony Pictures, Nike, and Capitol Records. Community projects include SXSW Music Festival and Sundance independent films.

This blog is a collection of Sherrie Thai's art (in-progress and finished), inspirations, and various visual & social commentary. Because of the eclectic choice of medium (illustration, design, photography), be prepared for a random mix of content.